Beginning January 1, 2026, many construction projects across Ontario will be required by law to have an AED on site under O. Reg. 157/25. This regulation strengthens Ontario’s construction safety framework by directly addressing sudden cardiac arrest, one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities.
AEDs are no longer considered optional safety equipment. For qualifying projects, they are now a mandatory component of job-site emergency preparedness.
When Is an AED Required on a Construction Site?
An AED must be available on site when both of the following conditions apply:
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20 or more workers are regularly employed, and
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The project is expected to continue for three months or longer
Projects lasting less than three months are generally exempt, but many commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects fall within scope.
Why Ontario Made AEDs Mandatory
Construction sites involve physical exertion, environmental stress, and varying EMS response times. Immediate access to an AED can dramatically improve survival outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest, which is why Ontario now requires AED access on larger, longer-term projects.
A Straightforward Path to Compliance
The AED Shop helps Ontario contractors meet the new requirements by providing:
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Health Canada–licensed AEDs approved for construction use
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Job-site-appropriate accessories and storage options
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FREE TrackMyAED™ for inspection reminders, records, and ongoing compliance
This approach helps ensure compliance is achieved early and maintained throughout the project.
👉 Buy Ontario-compliant construction AEDs from AEDSHOP:
https://aedshop.ca/collections/construction-sites
📖 Official regulation:
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r25157